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Monday, January 9, 2012

I went a little crazy when I opened up my google reader in November and saw Purl Bee's Short Row Sweater. Yes, I was supposed to be knitting commissions, finishing up Christmas ornaments, and prepping for the holidays. But all I could think of was this gorgeously simple sweater!

I resisted its charm until Allyson started talking about it, and even picked out the perfect yarn for a Christmas sweater - Knit Picks' Stroll Glimmer. 90% reasonable fibers - 10% SPARKLE. It conveniently went on sale during black friday, and I ordered 3 skeins in Potion.

I cast on between Christmas projects and ended up knitting most of it while I was home for the holidays. Nothing better than slogging through endless stocking stitch while watching Manor House and Downton Abbey.

What? It doesn't look sparkly? Blame the weirdly-sunny day for washing out these photos!

I finally finished on New Years Eve, and laid it out to block with hours until the celebrations. Because I knit this on size 6 needles, instead of the recommended size 5, with fingering weight yarn instead of sport, it grew a lot in length. I was worried that in addition to being cropped in the back, it would be cropped in the front. My worries were completely ridiculous - when wet, the sweater reached my thighs. So I did something wild - I threw it on the radiator, and it was dry in a few hours and ready for NYE karaoke.

I knit the largest size - 40" bust - on size 6 needles and I almost ran out of yarn. Just a pithy handful left when I finished, and I took a row off the neckline and armhole ribbing. The one downside of knitting at such a loose gauge - it's totally transparent. I tried to wear it without a shirt underneath and you could see my brassier. Tacky. The good news is that it's loose and airy and looks great with a skirt or jeans.

the tiny bit of leftover yarn

how I wore it on NYE - tights & new boots

And I have to say: I've read a few comments online saying this sweater is only for "skinny" people. Dudes - I am not skinny. Because of the relaxed shape and fun back, this sweater is good for all shapes and sizes. Take it from a curvy girl.